As Rick Perry faces wide-spread doubts about his presidential prospects, a new campaign advertising mailer arrived in Iowa Republicans’ mailboxes today that tries to bolster his Christian conservative credentials.

“What is this boy THINKING?” says the first page, which shows a young Perry in a cowboy hat and purple shirt next to a pony.

“He’s thinking it’s time to take our country back! Learn more about where he comes from and what he values most,” the next page says.

The irony of the message, crafted before last night’s fateful debate in Michigan, is that some Iowa Republicans today are questioning his thinking abilities – or at least his abilities to think under pressure.

Debate watchers Wednesday night winced when Perry tried to rattle off a standard campaign line about doing away with three federal agencies – but couldn’t remember the third agency.

The awkward moment – worsened by the fact that Perry has admitted that previous debate performances were less than impressive – triggered an avalanche of speculation that his credibility is now severely damaged.

But Perry is pressing on, joking that he “stepped in it” with his “oops” moment, but is ready to campaign in Iowa and the other early voting states on the serious issues facing the country.

The rest of the mailer explains that “God and family” are important to Perry, the longtime governor of Texas. He has been married since 1982 and has two children, it says.

“They have a deep and abiding faith knowing trust in God is the true source of hope and change in their lives,” it says.

The ad says he’s the right choice for Iowa conservatives – born on a farm, Air Force pilot, supports a 20 percent flat tax, and “has the know-how to rescue our economy.”